Dubai: The World Governments Summit 2026 opened in Dubai on Tuesday under the theme "Shaping Future Governments," bringing together governments, international organizations, leaders, and decision-makers to address challenges and propose practical, sustainable solutions. His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received an invitation directed to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to attend the summit from Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai Mohammad bin Rashid Al-Maktoum.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the summit aims to strengthen international cooperation, advance government policymaking, and anticipate future trends across key sectors including artificial intelligence, economy, governance, education, and sustainability. This edition records the largest leadership participation in the summit's history, with more than 35 heads of state, over 150 governments, and upwards of 500 ministers and global experts, alongside academics and scientists, including recipients of international awards in future sciences and technology.
The agenda includes 24 global forums, more than 35 ministerial and high-level meetings, and the release of 36 strategic reports. Discussions focus on global governance, effective leadership, societal well-being, human capital, economic prosperity, emerging opportunities, the future of cities, demographic shifts, and forward-looking prospects, through more than 320 sessions featuring over 450 global figures.
Dr. Ahmad Al-Mansouri, a faculty member at the Department of Media at UAE University, told KUNA that the World Governments Summit 2026 represents a major global event that reflects the UAE's standing as an international hub for ideas and future governance. He said the summit has evolved into a global laboratory for sharing successful experiences and formulating practical responses to shared challenges facing governments in a rapidly changing world, rather than remaining a platform for discussion alone. Al-Mansouri added that the summit's focus on artificial intelligence, sustainability, the future of cities, and human development demonstrates a deep understanding of global transformations and the need for new policy tools, noting that its outcomes provide valuable knowledge to enhance public policy and government efficiency.
Political analyst and writer Dr. Essa Al-Amiri told KUNA that Kuwait's participation in the summit reflects a strategic approach that goes beyond protocol to active engagement in future-oriented discussions, particularly in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and smart governance. He noted that the participation aligns closely with Kuwait Vision 2035, especially in building a more efficient government apparatus, diversifying income sources, and strengthening the knowledge economy, while benefiting from international best practices adaptable to the Kuwaiti context. Al-Amiri said Kuwait's presence contributes to improving policy quality through intellectual exchange and experience-sharing, adding that the summit has become an influential platform that links political leadership with technical expertise to transform visions into implementable policies.
Chairman of the Kuwaiti Business Council in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Firas Al-Salem, told KUNA that the summit offers business leaders an opportunity to engage with heads of governments to understand economic directions and emerging opportunities within national development plans. He said the event enables countries to present and discuss projects with international political and economic stakeholders, fostering partnerships and practical initiatives, while enhancing international communication and coordination under official political representation. The summit underscores its role as a global platform for anticipating the future of government work and modern technologies, while Kuwait's participation reflects its commitment to keeping pace with digital transformation and contributing to international dialogue on future policy development.